Toyota continues its push to spread hybrid technology throughout its automotive lineup, and the latest recipient is the Avalon. The 2013 Avalon was first shown at the New York Auto Show in April, but details on its powertrain options weren't made available at that time.

Today, Toyota is revealing that the 2013 Avalon will now be available with the same hybrid powertrain that is found in the Camry Hybrid and the Lexus ES300h. That means that a 2.5-liter, Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine is found under the hood that is paired with a pair of electric motors located in the transaxle. Unlike its competitors, Toyota still hasn't made the move to lithium-ion battery technology, so it's still stuck with less efficient nickel-metal hydride batteries.

Despite the older battery technology, the Avalon Hybrid is good for 200 total system horsepower and achieves EPA ratings of 40 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway (40 mpg combined). Those rating absolutely obliterate competition like the Buick Lacrosse eAssist which is rated at only 29 mpg combined.

Toyota says that the Avalon Hybrid can travel at up to 25 mph on battery power alone; however, you'll be able to travel one mile at that pace (you can blame the nickel-metal hydride batteries for that poor showing).

For those that prefer a little more grunt under the hood, the 2013 Avalon will still be available with last year's 3.5-liter V6 which pumps out 268hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. That extra power also means that you'll be hitting the gas pump much more frequently with EPA ratings of 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway (25 mpg combined).

quote: You misread his post. He specifically is saying at low RPM ranges (0-3,000 rpm), the typical Atkin Cycle engine produces lower torque than Otto Cycle. Potentially in a large vechile this could pose a problem.

Why? What kind of a problem? A mechanical problem or the driving experience issue you reference later? Vagueness like this aren't a point. Toyota likely engineered the car so that the engine works with the larger mass.

quote: The overall point is valid, while the Toyota Hybrids exhibit superior mileage and straight line drag performace, this does not immediately translate into "driving" experience.

A) Most people wouldn't know "driving experience" if it hit them in the face. Those people tend to care about more practical aspects of the car, such as mileage.

B)I can't speak for Toyota, but as far as Fords go, the driving experience I get out of my '09 Escape Hybrid is far more pleasurable than when I rent a newer '11 '12 i4. I don't notice a huge difference in maneuverability, but I definitely feel more torque out of my vehicle.